Jesse Kohl
Star P.M. goes mobile
Last fall, Star P.M. asked its readers for some feedback on the future of the downloadable newspaper. Today, readers’ demands will be answered. Star P.M. launches a daily mobile service and has tweaked its existing downloadable editions to cater to consumers who have a passion for entertainment.
Corus targets tweens with TheBigRip.com MMOG
Toronto-based Corus Entertainment has launched the first of its ‘massively multiplayer online games’ (MMOGs) aimed at drawing tweens – and marketers – into a virtual galaxy. Fully-integrated sponsorship opps are in the works.
Global puts Black Donnellys in Monday line-up
The Black Donnellys has a new home on Global’s Monday night line-up, starting Feb. 26. The gritty New York mob drama is expected to attract a cult following like that enjoyed by The Sopranos. With Paul Haggis’ brand behind it, the series promises to shake up the net’s prime-time schedule.
Auto show driven into a media frenzy
It’s auto show time, and the newswires are filling up with announcements about which new models have won awards at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. Here’s a round-up of sponsors as the show gears up at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, from Feb. 16-25.
Mobile TV gets exemption from CRTC
The CRTC has decided mobile TV services don’t need to follow the same rules as Canadian broadcasters. Broadcasters raised concerns about a future that could see people plugging their mobile phones into their TV sets. But the CRTC doesn’t buy it.
Alliance Atlantis starts streaming strategy
Alliance Atlantis is starting to implement the broadband-first strategy across its channels. It’s already started with Showcase, and others will follow.
Activist website launches to I.D. Toronto’s ‘illegal’ billboards
Toronto is a hotbed of billboards that stray outside approved formats according to a new grassroots group that just launched an interactive blog and website to track the city’s efforts to reverse the problem. IllegalSigns.ca names names and invites visitors to share info about who’s allegedly being bad in the realm of public space.
Lost returns to 1.58 million
The long-awaited return of Lost to CTV failed to topple the numbers enjoyed by CSI: New York, American Idol, and CTV Evening News last Wednesday. Critics to the south are saying the series is losing steam, but it still earned more Canadian viewers than Global’s Bones.
Bell backs clay faces and French humour
The claymation clips Teteaclaques.tv are already drawing millions of online comedy seekers in Quebec. Now Bell Canada wants to introduce the French-language phenomenon across the country on multiple platforms, from mobile to TV.
CTV nets treasure with Burnett’s Pirate Master
Pirates. The latest trend in adventure entertainment. It was only a matter of time before Mark Burnett seized the opportunity. The search for hidden treasure is coming to Canadian television, but will the marketing opportunities cross platforms? Not in this deal…
Pogo asks kids for TV spot ideas
ConAgra Foods Canada is putting the Pogo brand in kids’ hands – almost. A cash-winnings contest is asking kids, ‘When you’re eating a Pogo with one hand, what do you do with the other?’ But the three best answers get more than a Pogo pay cheque. The commercials will run on the re-branded Teletoon and YTV.
2 Magazine preps web-based reality series
Toronto-based 2 Magazine, the lifestyle magazine for couples, is taking its ‘Couple Makeovers’ idea – traditionally a nine-page print feature rife with brand integration – into the realm of video podcasts. Set to launch with the mag’s spring issue in March, the eight-episode series takes the sponsorship opps live and online.
Slice lines up brave new world of brand-friendly programming
A Canadian edition of Project Runway is in the works for the fall schedule on Slice. Alliance Atlantis’s re-branding of the old Life Network. Project Runway‘s success on the old Life Network in Canada, is raising expectations that more women 18-49 will turn to the station. And stay tuned for more seamless brand integration opportunities from Slice.
XYYZ launches an attack to halt Toronto’s ‘sex tax’
A lobby effort that can sum up your brand, your content, and your demo? Why not? After all, what’s politics without sponsors? XM Radio Canada and GotStyle Menswear are backing an online grassroots campaign to halt parking tickets.
OOH giants bid for street furniture contract
Thousands of transit shelters, garbage and recycling bins, newspaper boxes, bike racks, public washrooms – that’s what the bidders for Toronto’s street furniture contract want to provide. After the door closed to proposals yesterday, three players remained at the table. It may all come down to who promises the biggest chunk of ad revenue to the megacity’s mega pockets.
- Is GroupM being dismantled? Reports point to rebrand and restructuring
- Some GroupM Canada senior executives have left the agency
- Media leaders concerned ad spend not going to Canadian media
- Upfronts 2025: Fox announces significant investment in sports
- MiQ becomes CFL’s first programmatic media partner
